Food Network will soon be holding auditions for the fifth season of its highly popular competitive reality series, The Next Food Network Star. Following the recently completed fourth season, which saw Aaron McCargo, Jr. as the winner, the show is now looking for prospective chefs and home cooks who will showcase their outstanding culinary expertise for a chance to star on his or her own Food Network series.

According to the network's press release, The Next Food Network is inviting professional and amateur chefs to apply beginning Friday, October 3 from 10am to 3pm in Washington D.C. at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Washington.

In addition to applying in person at one of several open-call auditions listed above, those who are interested can also opt to submit a video audition. Hopefuls have until Friday, October 31 to send in a three-minute audition video explaining why he or she should be the Next Food Network Star.

Meanwhile, the new season of The Next Food Network Star is set to tape and air on Food Network in 2009.